30 November 2013

I've developed quite a fondness for creamy cleansers of late, and one that rushed right to the top of the list is from Kahina Giving Beauty. If you aren't already familiar with it, Kahina's line is based around organic, ethically sourced argan oil and all of its products combine high concentrations of the nourishing, anti-oxidant rich oil, along with other high quality, effective natural ingredients. As the name suggests, Kahina's ethos also incorporates giving back and 25% of the company's profits are donated to causes that improve the lives of the Berber women who harvest and extract the argan oil used in the company's products. These women's signatures also grace Kahina's sophisticated packaging. A couple months ago, Clementine Fields' co-founder, Ingrid Doucet, very generously sent me a couple products to try out and I'm ecstatic she chose to include Kahina's Facial Cleanser. The cleanser contains aloe vera and argan oil to help keep skin hydrated, willow bark to gently eliminate toxins and impurities, and papaya enzymes to brighten and lightly exfoliate. The ingredients combine together beautifully to create a creamy cleanser that I'd wager is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. It has a milky consistency that just glides across your face, but it isn't so thin that you risk losing it all down the drain. I usually prefer to remove any makeup first with an oil, but in a pinch, Kahina's cleanser does the trick, even on stubborn mascara or eyeliner. The cleanser is scented with neroli and blue tansy, also known for their anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, and it's not a stretch to say that it smells incredible. It's a light, fresh and slightly sweet scent that somehow manages to be both simultaneously relaxing and refreshing.

The Bottom LineKahina's Facial Cleanser is an excellent product that thoroughly cleanses without drying or stripping the skin. It's a gorgeous cleanser that I think would work for a variety of skin types. I've been sadly scraping the dregs of my bottle this week, but happily Clementine Fields came through, again, with a well-timed flash sale that I rushed to take advantage of: For the rest of today, get 15% off all Kahina products, as well as Zoe Organics and Ursa Major for Men.

On my nightstand you’ll find: I'm not using a nightstand right now, so these things are scattered around my room instead, but if I were, it would have a mug of water, lip balm, a couple essential oils, hand cream, and rosehip seed oil (which I like to mix into the hand cream.)

The literary character I’m most like is (take this quiz and share your answer!): Hermione from Harry Potter, apparently. "You are smart, witty, and love a challenge. You use rationality and reason in all things. You are measured and stable and you don't let people push you around."

If I could have dinner with anyone dead or alive it would be: I'm drawing a blank here, so I'm going to pass. Will have to update this when I think of someone!

Winter is coming – how do you prep your skin for battle? I've been slathering on extra oils and topping it off with a cream moisturizer or balm when necessary. I've also been extra diligent about dry brushing pre-shower.

My TV boyfriend is: Not sure anyone more recent qualifies, so let's stick with an oldie but a goodie: Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

If my evening clutch could only hold one beauty item it would be: Either lip balm or whatever else is on my lips.

One beauty tip I would pass on to my real/fictional daughter: Good skin comes from the inside out. Do the basics: stay healthy, eat well, drink lots of water, etc. and your skin will reap the benefits.

The most nostalgic item from my childhood: I still have a couple dresses from when I was small. Just because.

My favourite TV show of the moment is: This one is harder than it should be! There are a few shows I keep up with, but I'm not really LOVING any of them just now.

My favourite quote is: I'm really struggling over all the absolutes in this tag! I don't know if this is my most favorite quote ever, but it's one I like:

“I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” - Audrey Hepburn

Instead of tagging anyone specific, I'll just leave this open to anyone who wants to join in. If you do, make sure to link your post in the comments so I can read it!

24 November 2013

Nürish Organics is a local-to-me skincare line, based right here in Toronto. The line was created to provide effective skincare that could perform deep restoration on damaged, sensitive skin and the company's formulations use natural (and mainly organic) ingredients to encourage and enhance the body's own healing mechanisms. I've been trying out a few products from the line and I'm eager to share them with you, starting with the scrub. Scrubs are probably my favorite skincare item, so you can imagine my excitement at trying a product named Best Scrub Ever.

Best Scrub Ever looks like an unimposing cream, but it's made with alumina oxide crystals - the same crystals that are used in clinical microdermabrasion treatments. The crystals are completely smooth, which eliminates the risk of scratches or microtears that can occur with many other manual exfoliants. Adrianne, Nürish's founder, cautioned me against overusing the scrub - in terms of frequency and hardness of scrubbing - and both have proven to be apt advice. The microdermabrasion crystals are super fine and even though the scrub feels gentle as you're using it, once washed off, it's clear just how intense of an exfoliation treatment Best Scrub Ever really is. My skin can be sensitive and I imagine it would be easy to overdo it, so I've been limiting my use of the scrub to about once a week. I'm also careful how much pressure I use when massaging the product on my face.Considering its intensity, it's worth noting that I've experienced absolutely no irritation since I've been using this product. Other scrubs can sometimes leave my face feeling stripped or even raw, but that's never been the case here. Best Scrub Ever is packed with nourishing ingredients like soothing shea and cupuacu butters and healing tamanu and avocado oils, and it really does achieve that perfect balance between efficacy and comfort. It also smells fresh and minty and leaves your skin with a slight tingle, even after rinsing the product off.

20 November 2013

With so many amazing products out there, it can sometimes be nice to try a sample before committing to a full-size. That's why I was so excited to realize that Fresh Faced has started selling samples! (Or maybe they've always sold them and I just never noticed?) While doing some late night gift shopping, I decided to pick up a few tiny goodies for myself as well.

Here's what I chose:Kahina Antioxidant MaskMay Lindstrom The Problem Solver May Lindstrom The Clean DirtStark Green Tea MaskYarok Styling WhipOne Love Organics Vitamin B Cleansing OilOne Love Organics Vitamin E Eye BalmOne Love Organics Morning Glory Brightening Complexion BoosterOne Love Organics Supercritical Chia OilIlia Lipstick in In My RoomIlia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Nobody's BabyVapour Lipstick in PossessFresh Faced also generously threw in a few extra samples (not pictured):Rahua Shampoo & ConditionerKahina Eye SerumKahina FEZ Body SerumA lot of new-to-me brands in this pile and I'm excited to get to try everything out. I've been really into face masks lately, so it'll be fun to test out a couple new ones. I'm also extra stoked to try the Kahina samples, as I've already fallen hard for their cleanser (more on that very soon!) Have you used any of these products? Do you like samples or are you more of a straight-to-the-full-size kind of person?

18 November 2013

Acure's shampoos and conditioners have gotten a lot of hype in the green beauty community, but one product that I haven't seen talked about all that much is their Leave-In Conditioner. Fellow curly girls will especially understand just how much of a bane second day hair can be - no matter how perfect my hair is when it's freshly washed, by the next day, after sleeping on it, it's nowhere near the same. Brushing it only makes it worse and it's just not practical to re-wet my entire head, but I haven't found a product that actually works to refresh second day curls. Until now...

Spraying the conditioner directly onto my hair does very little, so I prefer to spritz it into my hand and then re-scrunch my (dry) hair. Used this way, my curls are redefined with minimal frizz, and my hair look ALMOST as good as day one, freshly washed hair. The spray is not at all heavy or oily like some other leave-ins. Instead, it just imparts a very light dose of moisture. If you're looking for something heavier, this might not be the product for you, but I like that you can go to town, use a good amount of product, and not have to worry about ending up looking like a total greaseball. In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that my first impressions of this product were not very favourable. I used it once or twice without noticing any difference, hated the smell, and despondently added it to my small pile of products to give away. As it turns out, I couldn't quite bring myself to get rid of it, and many months later I pulled it out and decided to give it another try. For round two, I figured out how to make the product work in my hair, but the smell is still not a favorite. It's a lot heavier and more herbal than the bright lemongrass scents I'm used to, and I just don't love it. It also lingers, so I'll catch fairly strong whiffs of it throughout the day. It's kind of a hit-or-miss thing for me - some days I'm okay with the smell, while others it drives me crazy and I can't wait to jump in the shower and wash it out. Bear in mind that if you're less sensitive (and/or fussy) about smells, this may be a moot point.The Bottom LineI love how well Acure's Leave-in Conditioner works as a curl-refresher, but I wish it smelled different! As it stands now, the smell takes this product from something I'd use daily and happily repurchase to something I cautiously use on occasion and likely would not buy again.Where to Buy:$7.73 from Vitacost, 8.62 from iherb, $9.99 from Acure.How much does smell factor in when you're choosing products? And, if you have any amazing tips for second-day hair, I'd love to hear them too!

13 November 2013

In addition to the Hydrating Cream Cleanser, I've also been trying out Amala's Brightening Toning Essence over the last several weeks. Toner is often an underrated step, but it's one that I've found can make a big difference to your skin. Formulated with narcissus, algae extract from Norwegian kelp, and seven alpine herbs, Amala's toner is packed with active ingredients to balance the skin's pH and refresh and revive dull skin, while simultaneously improving and brightening uneven skin tone. Narcissus and algae extract have been shown to slow down melanin production, helping to prevent future dark spots, while the seven alpine herbs (mallow, peppermint, cowslip, lady's mantle, veronica, yarrow, and melissa) work together to diminish the appearance of any dark spots or discoloration that you may already have.

The toning essence comes in a pretty glass spray bottle, giving you the option to either spray it onto a cotton pad or directly onto your face. It has a subtle scent of rosewater, but it's light enough that, even with my usual aversion towards florals, I'm not bothered in the slightest. With glycerin as the second ingredient, I was initially concerned my face would be left feeling sticky, but that isn't the case at all. The toner is very light in texture and leaves my skin feeling refreshed, smooth, and ready for the next step in my routine. The brightening effect is immediate and my skin is visibly more radiant throughout the day. I have a few dark spots left over from old acne breakouts and I've also noticed they are slightly lighter since incorporating the toner into my routine. I imagine you could further boost its efficacy, in this regard, by using it in combination with other products from Amala's Brightening line. The Intensive Brightening Mask, Advanced Brightening Emulsion and Brightening Corrective Concentrate all use similar herbs and active ingredients, in what I would expect to be more concentrated formulations. Where to Buy: $56 from Spirit Beauty Lounge/AmalaIngredients: Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Water*, Zinc PCA, Alcohol*, Narcissus Tazetta Extract*, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum (Brown Alga) Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract*, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract*, Primula Veris (Cowslip) Extract*, Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) Extract*, Veronica Officinalis (Heath Speedwell) Extract*, Melissa Officinalis (Lemon Balm) Leaf Extract*, Achillea Millefolium (Yarrow) Extract*, Hydrolyzed Wheat Flour, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract*, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Ribes Rubrum (Currant) Juice*, Buddleja Davidii (Summer Lilac) Extract*, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract*, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Parfum), Rosa Damascena Flower Oil*, Helichrysum Italicum Extract*, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool (*Ingredient Produced By Organic Farming)

Disclosure: Product provided for review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review in return for free product, nor was I compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Post contains affiliate links.

11 November 2013

Sometime in the last couple of years, my skin has gone from being more normal to oily to normal to dry. It's a change I can embrace fully when it comes to not getting shiny throughout the day, but it has also meant adapting to a different cleansing routine. Soaps and foaming cleansers that once left my skin feeling fine, now often leave my face feeling overly tight and dry. I've definitely gained a greater appreciation for gentle, creamy cleansers!Enter Amala's Hydrating Cream Cleanser from stage right...

Amala is a German skincare company that's been on my radar for quite a while. The entire line is certified organic by NATRUE and the company prides itself on cutting no corners when it comes to the quality and purity of ingredients. This focus definitely comes through with the Hydrating Cream Cleanser.Amala's Hydrating collection is intended to replenish and sustain skin's moisture levels. The entire line is rich in jasmine, renowned for its nourishing, smoothing and antioxidant benefits and the cleanser also contains white clay and papaya, which gently exfoliate to remove impurities and dead skin cells, whilst the jasmine and other ingredients hydrate and strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.The cleanser has a rich, lotion-like texture and does not foam at all. Instead, it glides across your face, gentling removing any dirt or face makeup. It's a little less effective on mascara and eye liner, though it can be done if you don't mind a little extra rubbing around the eyes. Personally, I prefer to pre-cleanse with an oil to remove any makeup, and follow with Amala's cleanser to deep clean my skin.

After rinsing the cleanser off, my face is left feeling smooth, soft, and hydrated. My skin never feels irritated and I've experienced much less dryness heading into winter than in previous years. In fact, smell is the only area where this product falls short for me. Jasmine is not a favorite scent of mine and at times the cleanser smells overly sweet and cloying. It's not enough to prevent me from using it and enjoying all the other benefits the cleanser has to offer, but it would likely deter me from repurchasing in the future. The Bottom LineAmala's Hydrating Cream Cleanser is excellent for dry or sensitive skin, and I think it would also be great for almost anyone during the colder autumn/winter months. Plus, if you're a jasmine lover, I really don't think you can go wrong here! In terms of price, Amala is definitely a luxury brand, but the ingredients and quality speak for themselves. In fact, once you factor in the amount of product you receive, the price point is not unreasonable. $70 is a lot to spend on a cleanser, no doubt, but the cost-per-ounce of the larger, 8.1 ounce bottle, is only slightly higher than that of my previous favorite cleanser, Weleda's Soothing Almond Cleansing Lotion. It will also last you quite a long time! If you've got the money and enjoy high quality skincare, Amala is definitely a brand worth looking into.Where to Buy:$48 from Spirit Beauty Lounge, $48/$70 from Amala

Disclosure: Product provided for review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review in return for free product, nor was I compensated for this post. All opinions are my own. Post contains affiliate links.

1 November 2013

I think I've finally come to accept that no matter how hard I try, I can't seem to finish more than six or eight items in a given month. Not sure how some of you do it! October's empties are mainly items I've repurchased (which doesn't help the current size of my skincare stash), but I'm happy to get through these all the same!

Sukin Revitalizing Facial Scrub [Review]There are so many things I loved about this scrub - the price point, the smell, how gently it exfoliates - but the phenoxyethanol in it is a dealbreaker for me. As preservatives go, I don't think phenoxyethanol is the worst out there, but it's one I generally avoid (I made a rare exception this time for the scrub!)Repurchase? No, not unless Sukin reformulates without the phenoxyethanol.Young Living Eucalyptus Radiata Essential OilMost of you probably already know how great eucalyptus is for respiratory problems, but it also has a whole host of other uses. I don't get a lot of pimples anymore, but when I do, this is what I use, in combination with frankincense essential oil. As spot treatments go, it's a little untraditional, but the duo works very well at reducing redness and taking down any blemishes. Repurchase? Absolutely.Humphrey's Witch Hazel Astringent [Review]I've gone through several bottles of Humphrey's witch hazel making my DIY Witch Hazel and Glycerin Toner and it's still my witch hazel of choice, since it works well and is super affordable. The astringent does contain alcohol (only a small percentage), but it has no preservatives.Repurchase? Yes, I already have.Pure + Simple Eye Brightening Cream (sample) [Review]This is a fabulous eye cream that's both gentle and amazingly effective on any darkness around and under the eyes. Sadly, it works less well on puffiness. When I wrote my initial review, I wasn't planning to buy the full size, but I did end up picking it up a few weeks after my sample ran out. It really is the best I've found for dark circles, and I've had decent results on the puffiness front by managing other factors (stress, sleep, allergies, etc.) Repurchase? Yes.Acure Moroccan Argan + Argan Stem Cell Shampoo [Review]I've talked about this shampoo many times before, so I won't say too much. It's the best I've found for my curly hair and used with the matching conditioner, it get my hair clean and moisturizes it just enough, without leaving it feeling heavy or weighed down. Repurchase? Yes, I already have.Intelligent Nutrients Organic Styling Gel [Review]I'm pretty low-maintenance when it comes to hair styling, but I like to use some kind of product to minimize frizz and help define my curls. I go back and forth between Intelligent Nutrients' gel and Yarok's Feed Your Roots, but the gel has been getting more love recently. It has a little more hold (still without being crunchy) and worked very well during the warmer months. Ideally I'd like to find something a little less expensive, since I feel like I went through this pretty quickly, but I've purchased another travel size for the time being.Repurchase? Yes, I already have.Earthpaste Cinnamon Toothpaste [Review]Another repeat purchase! I've been using Earthpaste for almost a year now and I'm still loving it. The cinnamon leaves your breath a little less fresh than the peppermint or wintergreen flavors, but it still works just as well in every other way.Repurchase? Yes, but probably not in this flavor.And that's all for October! We'll have to see how things go in November, but I will say that I'm already working hard to finish up a couple specific products. What did you use up last month?